Growing Desert Cactus

This genus of small globular cacti grows in Mexico. They're flowers come in colors from white through pinks, magentas, purples and yellow. They need a window location with some direct sun and it's important to give them less water through the cool season when they are resting. In the winter months they may need different timings of watering depending on how much sun they receive in their window location. In a south window it is best to let them completely dry for at least two weeks at a time in between waterings, and keep the soil very dry for a month at a time if they are in an east or west window. When spring returns and the plants begin to grow they will need more frequent waterings, and alternating wet and dry periods through the growing seasons will help them maintain symmetrical growth. Turbinicarpus will do very well as four seasons house plants as long as care and attention is taken in their watering cycles. Keeping these plants constantly in wet soil will cause them to elongate and become vulnerable to fungal attacks. On the other extreme, if they are kept dry for too long, they may transpire so much moisture that they'll die of dehydration. Alternating between wet and dry periods through all seasons will be the best strategy for keep these miniature beauties healthy.

# posted by Adv. Blogger @ 10:25 AM